COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2024
GRAPE
100% Chenin Blanc
PRODUCER
Testalonga
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Off-dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Testalonga's Mielie Green is a captivating white wine from South Africa's Swartland, crafted from 100% old-vine Chenin Blanc. Winemaker Craig Hawkins, a champion of natural winemaking, employs a hands-off approach, allowing the unique terroir of four organically farmed vineyards to shine. The result is a wine with a medium-plus body, an off-dry character balanced by bright acidity, and a gloriously complex, 'chewy' texture. Its name, meaning 'corn' in Afrikaans and also a family nickname, hints at the wine's intention to bring simple pleasure and enjoyment. This is a wine that speaks volumes about its origin and the philosophy behind its creation.
ALCOHOL
12.0%
AVG. PRICE
€24
STYLE
Natural
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The name 'Mielie' is Afrikaans for corn, and it's also the nickname of winemaker Craig Hawkins' daughter.
Fact 02
The wine is made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, sourced from a blend of old bush vines planted between 1961 and 1998.
Fact 03
All vineyards are farmed organically and practice dryland farming.
Fact 04
The wine has a very low sulphite addition, typically around 20 ppm.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Mielie Green is a product of Craig Hawkins' dedication to natural winemaking. Grapes are hand-harvested from organically farmed, dryland vineyards and fermented with native yeasts in concrete tanks without temperature control. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, followed by aging in concrete. The process is characterized by minimal intervention, very low sulphur additions, and a light filtration, all aimed at preserving the wine's vibrant fruit, minerality, and complex texture.
